Floral arrangements

I’ve been experimenting with flowers this week – not purposely. Winston and I have spent a lot of time in the garden and the hydrangea bushes reminded me that my new book Inspire has a hydrangea garland in it. We enjoyed putting it together and it was surprisingly easy. You need string, wire, scissors and various flowers and foliage – whatever your garden has on offer. You simply lay all the plants out in a long sausage and attach them to string with wire, then hang.

I’m sad to say that it didn’t last long at all in the blazing sun. The lavender and rosemary are still going strong though.

On Friday night I enjoyed attending Ladies Night at The Fox and the Magpie. Jam, cream and scones mixed with flower arranging. Our tutor Sarah was brilliant – so passionate, wonderfully creative and the epitome of down to earth. I felt so inspired by her love of flowers. The atmosphere was relaxed and fun, but it was hard not to obsess (at times) about which flower should go where. I can name a few more flowers now – it’s a start!

I put together two arrangements – one round and one forward facing. By the time I got around to my second, the choice of flowers was quite limited but it meant I could experiment with foliage. I absolutely love the grass.

I had a look in my garden today and came up with this creation. It’s making me so happy already. I probably don’t have time for a new hobby but I can feel one coming on.

E xx